Here are some tips to make your trip more enjoyable if you want to try wahoo-fishing in North Carolina. These tips will help you get the best catch whether you fish offshore or with high-speed lures. And remember, there's no size limit for recreational catch of wahoo. A commercial license is required to catch trophy fish.
Offshore trolling
It is best to go offshore fishing for wahoo in North Carolina during the autumn, particularly late August and early September. Wahoo begin to appear in the waters around Morehead City from mid-to late August. Fishing is best when there is little or no current. For offshore trolling, the best bait is a simple ballyhoo. You can also use cedar plugs or Green Machines as lures.
Whajoo aren't afraid of boats. They prefer baits just below the water surface. This method is extremely popular in the Bahamas where artificials are pulled at speeds of up to twenty knots. Barracuda in the Carolinas are not a problem. Wahoo also increases in temperature as the ocean heats up. The conditions for fishing and the temperatures in the water are perfect for wahoo.
In spring and fall, wahoo will be the main target. The transition from winter into spring will determine when other species will appear. Historically, yellowfin tuna were the top target in the spring, but in recent years, they have been absent. While some are caught, the numbers are low. This makes the catch more rewarding. If you are interested in high-speed trolling techniques, you might want to read about five successful captains.
Ballyhoos
Ballyhoos make the best bait when it comes to catching Wahoo. You can freeze the bait, or you can retrieve it fresh using a trolling-size Jhook. The hook itself should be positioned so that the wire pin is in line with the fish's nostrils. Ballyhoos have a great reputation for seafloor and surface fishing.
Wahoos prefer to be in deeper water columns, but they can also be found in the sand or in the water. To attract wahoo strikes, ballyhoos should have a dark colored body. They are extremely aggressive and can move at lightning speed. Ballyhoos are also effective in luring other types of fish.
Ballyhoos make the best wahoo lures in North Carolina. Ballyhoos can be found in a wide range of colors and textures. When fished correctly, a ballyhoo can catch wahoo in its native waters. Ballyhoos make great wahoo bait. A planer rod is a good choice for a hard lure. You can invest in either a Yo-zuri Bonita (or a Braid Marauder). They come in many colors, including purple/black and pink/black.
A single-strand stainless steel wire leader in coffee-colored stainless will be a good choice for fishing for wahoo. A bridle should be attached to the leader. There are three to sixteen sizes of planers, so rigging is essential for success. Capt. Weaver also notes that wahoo are a common target. If you're planning to target wahoo you should rig your planer with a harness.
High-speed lures
You can target wahoo with a variety high-speed trolling baits. These high-speed lures can be pulled with an inline trolling weight and placed on a downrigger or planer. Dark colors work especially well when targeting wahoo or big tuna. They are also very durable and will continue to run even after they catch a lot of fish. MagBay is another manufacturer of high-speed trolling lures.
These fish love a high-speed trolling lure because it can be quickly taken to the best fishing spots. Wahoo can hit speeds of 60 mph with strike lures travelling at 18 MPH. This is the average transiting lure's speed in two to four feet waves. Because of this, you need to use heavy lures with quality drag. To ensure maximum success, you should gaff the fish with two people.
The lip-plug is one of most popular types of high speed lures. These lures are typically rigged with wire or cable. This method can lead to the lure breaking if it is bent. Therefore, multi-strand cables are recommended. This wire is also less likely to bend and kink, so it can run straighter. Also, try using a clip to make changing lures easier.
Floating debris
This is a great area to hunt this trophy fish. Whajoo will only eat wrecks, ledges, or floating debris as their preferred bottom habitat. These structures are the ideal habitat for wahoo who will often stack up under these items. Another great spot to target this fish is floating debris. It often works well beneath these obstacles. Floating debris may also be a good way to spot these majestic fish schools.
Before fishing for wahoo schools, it is important to inspect any floating debris for dolphins. He should not attempt to fish in areas that aren't home to baitfish or dolphins. To reach the wahoo, he must use a fast-retrieve rod with a 6-to-1 ratio. It is recommended to use a 4 to 6 ounce diamond jig and a Mustad 3407 double-strength hook. The jigs should be large enough to protect a fluorocarbon leader 60 pounds in weight and a floating if the bait is caught in the debris. Jigs should not be Butterfly-style - they have assist hooks at the top.
During the cooler months, the water surface temperature is cooler, increasing the odds of finding a Wahoo. This species prefers cool water and places with current. Use satellite imagery to monitor surface temperature to determine whether any small changes in the temperature will bring in a higher concentration of Wahoo. The fish population will move to these areas as the temperature drops. This time is when fishing in these areas can be at its best.
Structure
In the Gulf of Mexico, the structure of wahoo fishing in North Carolina may be an anomaly. Wahoo are known to migrate in migratory patterns. They can migrate in the Atlantic through several regions such as the Gulf of Mexico (the Caribbean), the Gulf of Mexico (the Western Atlantic), and then the Eastern Atlantic. This is determined by the currents and the water temperature.
Whalos, which are structure-oriented in their fall, frequent inshore drops and lumps in 120 feet or more of water. These large fish are known for their sharp jaws. Hagerich suggests heavy single-strand wire and heavy-duty rods to capture one. Fishing a wahoo requires that the captain bumps the boat in and off of gear to help the angler stay steady.
Whalos, which are aggressive bottom formations, like to hang around wrecks, pronounced edges, and other weedlines. They often prefer to strike fast-moving baits. In North Carolina, they often linger near weedlines and debris. This makes them more likely to find a weedline or artificial lure. They can be caught at speeds up to ten miles per hour.
The best fishing season for the wahoo can be found from July to September. These fish prefer warmer Gulf Stream temperatures, and North Carolina has a lot of options for wahoo fishermen looking to find them. To find a few wahoo, trolling offshore wrecks or humps is a good option.
Feeding peak times
Although there are many times of year that wahoo fishing proves to be productive, there is a specific time of the month when it is at its best. You should wahoo-fish on the days immediately preceding and following the Full Moon and New Moon. During these peak times, you should trolling at either a moderate or high speed. You can catch a wahoo as long as your boat is capable of handling the extra speed.
Summer is the best period to fish for wahoo. The best time to target these fish is on the ledges and structure between the Jupiter and Stuart inlets. A wahoo is about 25 pounds on average, but there are 50-pounders available. During prime time you will be able catch both a large and a smaller wahoo.
It is best to go after wahoo between October and March. Because the water is cool, wahoo are more likely to bite during these months. Although May weather can be unpredictable, it is usually the best month for light-tackle fishing. Blue-crystal is the best bait to catch wahoo if you plan a trip during this period. For big fish, however you might want to try fishing in late April and/or early May.
FAQ
What is the cost of basic fishing gear?
Basic fishing equipment costs around $100-$200 dollars for rod/reel combos, bait, tackle box, etc. For a larger boat, you will need to pay between $500 and $1,000.
How big should my tackle bag be?
Large tackle boxes are necessary as you'll need enough space to store all your fishing equipment. The size of your tackle box depends on the amount of items you store inside.
What type of gear are you going to need for fishing?
A rod, reel with line, hooks and bait, as well as some snacks. To catch fish you need to be able to cast, set up hooks, and use the bobber. Be patient and wait until you catch the fish.
Statistics
- It is estimated there are at least 2 million people who go fishing in California each year. (californiayachtsales.com)
- You likely have a fish hooked if the bobber moves erratically for over 5 seconds. (tailoredtackle.com)
- About 40 percent of all fish are freshwater species. (takemefishing.org)
- Orvis, Simms, and Fishpond have been making some of the best packs and vests for a long time, and it seems like 90% of the anglers around the area use these brands. (troutandsteelhead.net)
External Links
How To
Finding the Best Fishing Location
To find the best fishing spots, you must know what kind of fish you want to catch. It is important to decide whether you prefer deep sea fishing or shallow-water fishing. Deep sea fishing requires a boat, which costs money. Shallow water fishing can be done from shore and is therefore free of cost. You should choose shallow water fishing if you are interested in trout fishing. However, if you're looking for barracuda, you'll have to head out to deeper waters.
There are many fishing spots to choose from, depending on which type you prefer. Some locations offer only one type while others offer many options. One example is that some areas are known for their bass fishing and others specialize in fly-fishing. Others are known for their shark fishing, crabbing, and other activities.
The best way to figure out where to go depends on your budget, how long you plan to stay, and what you like doing. Do you enjoy camping? If so, you might be interested in a spot near a lake. Are you more into city life? Perhaps you prefer the beaches. You might enjoy canoeing and sailing, scubadiving, kayaking, and surfing.
Even if fishing is not something you are familiar with, it's worth asking someone who does. They could tell you about all kinds of things, including where to go.
You could even try searching online for "fishing spots near me." This will give many options. You might be able to narrow down your choices by looking at reviews and ratings. This is possible on a variety of websites.
Once you've chosen a place, go to it before you leave. Because sometimes getting there can take you longer than you anticipated, make sure to have directions. It is important to take everything you might need. Make sure to pack your bait, tackle box and sunscreen.
Researching the weather conditions is a great idea. The forecast can help you determine the best time to go. If the weather changes, you might want to change your plans.
Once you have a good idea of where you want to go, it's time to start planning your trip. The next step is deciding what you're going to use to fish.